James 'Jim' Britton

James “Jim” B. Britton Sr of Danville IL. passed away after a long courageous battle with lung disease at 10:16am on Friday January 30, 2015 on his 82nd birthday at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville, IL. He was born on January 30, 1933 in Tilton, IL the son of Henry C. And Edith (Johnson) Britton. Jim married his sweetheart, Eleanor A. Ritter on February 20, 1953 in Danville, IL. Surviving are: his wife Eleanor of nearly 62 years, three children, Sondra J. Nolte of Danville, James B. (Brenda) Britton Jr. of Potomac, IL, and Tamara A. Hall of Georgetown, IL., a grandson they raised as their own, Luke James Britton of Danville, IL.., 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews as well a nephew/fishing buddy Glen Britton, special brother-in-law Frank Ritter of Westville, IL. and dear friends Bruce Ratcliffe & Gene Price. Without hesitation, Jim & Eleanor welcome into their home several additional children for periods of time that needed a loving home. He was preceded in death by: his parents, two daughters Brenda S. Calin and Teresa L. Britton, 5 sisters Henrietta, Claudia, Dorothy, Judy and Sherry, and 1 brother Frank. He was proud to have served in the United States Marine Corp. Jim was a strong and dedicated member of the IBEW Local Union #538. He began his carrier in 1953 retiring in 1993 after 40 years of service. He took pride in the fact that he served as an officer for 30+ years as well as being appointed union steward on numerous projects. He was a strong advocate of “BUY AMERICAN”. Jim was one of the founding members of the Illini Bass Fishing Club, becoming the first Chartered Bass Club in the State of Illinois in 1968. This adventure started in his home with his brother Frank. Other members present were Don Noel, Curt Gilliland and Harold Rohrer. Jim was a great outdoorsman that thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushrooming and camping. He always looked forward to annual vacations at Phillips, WI. (Reeses Resort), Lake Kissimmee FL., Parke County IN. and Canada. He graciously introduced and shared his wealth of knowledge of the outdoors with his children, grandchildren and many friends. Nothing better to Jim than sharing the success stories of those he had taught and/or encouraged throughout his life. Jim being an adventurous man, living life to its fullest, accomplished many things that others only dreamed of; always anticipated where next journey would take him. If he were here today and you were to ask him for advice he would tell you of his re-dedication to Christ, and to pray. Closest to his heart was his precious wife that he expressed his thankfulness to daily. The family would like to acknowledge great appreciation and thankfulness to those that made his last years more comfortable: Amy Dawson & Kay Hockett of Presence Healthcare, Dr. Horner, Terry Hume & crew of the Oakwood Ambulance and Curt Darling. A service to celebrate the life of Jim Britton Sr will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Fri Feb. 6, 2015 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center. A life celebration home in Danville, IL. Pastors Scott McCurdy and Curt Darling will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakhill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thurs. Feb. 5, 2015 also at Sunset in Danville. Memorial may be made to AMBUCS.